Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I wish to join the Cathaoirleach in welcoming the two renowned figures in the Visitors Gallery today, namely, Mr. Bob Brolly of the BBC and Mr. Patrick Williamson of the British National Federation of Demolition Contractors. They are in Ireland in connection with the promotion of our major festival to be held next year, The Gathering. I salute and thank them for their efforts and work in disseminating this information through the BBC and reaching all our people and others in Britain who hopefully will all come and visit this country next year.

This is not the first time I have mentioned the brutal and savage murder of Patrick Finucane and, as Senator Bacik noted earlier, it is completely unsatisfactory that further information now is forthcoming in dribs and drabs. From a hitherto unseen chapter of the Stevens report, it now is known that one of the guns involved was stolen from the British Army and subsequently was returned to it, courtesy of the RUC. This points very clearly to the collusion that unfortunately was involved. While another report is forthcoming, I salute the Taoiseach as he has been completely consistent on this matter. Moreover, I look forward to his further meeting on this subject with the British Premier, David Cameron, which, please God, will happen shortly.